Saint Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta Adds Newest PET CT Technology

Atlanta (March 31, 2010) – Saint Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta has purchased Siemens' Biograph mCT machine, the world's first molecular CT, which is widely seen as the highest level of imaging available today. Saint Joseph's is the first hospital in Georgia to have this technology and to provide this level of care to patients.

The new Biograph offers whole-body, ultra-high definition PET-CT scanning in five minutes and entire body CT scans in just ten seconds. This not only provides unique diagnostic capability through greater resolution, but also quicker turn-around in answers for patients.

This technology is so advanced, it can be used in a wide array of service lines, from oncology to orthopedics, and even in neurology where the high-definition scan of a brain can be used as a marker for Alzheimer's disease.

The "Biograph" also has a unique design that combines a short tunnel and a large opening, which helps alleviate any claustrophobia issues many patients experience with older versions of the CT machine. The addition of the "Biograph mCT" expands Saint Joseph's leading-edge imaging department, which already boasts the 256-slice CT machine.

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1880, Saint Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta is now a 410-bed, acute-care hospital recognized as one of the leading specialty-referral hospitals in the Southeast. Saint Joseph's is the region's premier provider of cardiac, vascular oncology and orthopaedic services and home to the most comprehensive minimally invasive robotic surgery program in the world. Saint Joseph's is one of the 50 top hospitals and one of the few hospitals in the world to receive Magnet Recognition for Nursing Excellence. Saint Joseph's medical staff is comprised of over 750 physicians. Saint Joseph's Health System is based in Atlanta and has several subsidiaries including indigent care services, employed physician group, a 25-bed critical access hospital in Greensboro, GA, and research facilities. Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Joseph's is a member of Catholic Health East. For more information, please visit www.saintjosephsatlanta.org.